Instructions for Specialist Marking

Transcription

1 Instructions for Specialist Marking This document also includes instructions for Marking Examined Coursework and Specialist Marking by Visit Incorporating Instructions for Principal Examiners, Assistant Principal Examiners and Team Leaders Please familiarise yourself with this document even if you have previously marked for OCR INST/FOR/EXAM EM000175B OCR Published March 2018

2 Updated information Changes made to the contents of this booklet since the previous version (April 2017) are summarised in the table below for easy identification. The following principal changes should be noted Section A Heading 1 Paragraphs f), g), h), j) and u) content updated Page 4 Heading 8 Paragraphs 2 and 3 updated Page 11 Heading 10 Removal of paragraph e) regarding examiner coursework label Page 15 Heading 11 Point a) regarding Stand/1 form updated paragraph b)v) updated paragraph d)ii) updated Page 16 Page 17 Heading 12 Paragraphs c) g) updated Page 18 Heading 15 Contact updated to Assessor Management Deployment Team Page 19 Appendix 1 Point 1 updated regarding stationery letter Page 20 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Revised reference to new guidance document: Instructions for Suspected Malpractice General Qualifications and Cambridge Nationals. Access Arrangements new content added after 3 rd bullet Points 3, 4 and 5 updated Point 4 inserted Modified papers points 3 and 4 updated Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Appendix 4 Updated Page 26 Appendix 5 Point 8 removed Page 28 Appendix 6 3 rd paragraph updated Page 30 Section B Headings 18, 31 Enquiries about Results Reference to Code of Practice updated, now Ofqual General Conditions of Recognition This is now Reviews of Results Pages 31 and 49 Heading 20 New paragraph c) on Submission of final mark scheme Page 37 Heading 24 Paragraph e) updated Page 43 Heading 31 Entire section updated Page Heading 33 3 rd and 4 th paragraphs updated Page 50 OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 2

3 Contents Section A Important Information and Instructions for Specialist Marking 5 1. Important Information 5 2. Important dates 8 3. Receipt of Scripts/Examined Coursework 9 4. Missing Scripts/Examined Coursework 9 5. The Standardisation meeting Preparation 9 6. The Standardisation Meeting Notes for Visiting Specialist Markers Using the OCR Repository Sampling of your Marking (Scripts only) Marking and Annotation of Scripts/Examined Coursework after the Standardisation Meeting Supervision of Marking Completion and Despatch of MS2 Mark Sheets Report on the Marking of Scripts/Examined Coursework Return of Scripts/Examined Coursework Late Apportioned Scripts/Examined Coursework Escalation of Issues of Concern Expenses Information 18 Appendix 1 - Dealing with Problems 19 Appendix 2 - Suspected Malpractice 21 Appendix 3 - Marking the Scripts of Candidates who have Access Arrangements 22 Appendix 4 -Instructions for Completion of MS2 Mark Sheets 26 Appendix 5 - Introduction to Script/Examined Coursework Marking Advisory Notes for New Specialist Markers 27 Appendix 6 - OCR Repository User Guide 30 Section B Instructions for Principal Examiners, Assistant Principals and Team Leaders The Standardisation Meeting The Use of Photocopied Work The production of a Revised Mark Scheme: Instructions to Principal Examiners Marking and Annotation of Work after the Standardisation Meeting Supervision of Specialist Markers and Sampling their Marking Stage 1 the Standardisation Sample Stage 2 the Batch 1 Sample Scaling a Specialist Marker s Marking Stage 3 the Final Sample Sampling the Work of Team Leaders 46 OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 3

4 28. Supervision of Principal Examiners Return of Scripts/Examined Coursework Preparation for Marking Review Reporting on the Performance of Specialist Markers OCR report to Centres Escalaotion of Issues of Concern 50 Appendix 7 - Examples of Scaling Adjustments 51 Appendix 8 - Overview Flowchart 52 Appendix 9 - Additional Guidance on Marking Crossed Out, Rubric Error (Optional Questions) and Multiple Responses 53 OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 4

5 Section A Important Information and Instructions for Specialist Marking 1. Important Information a) You must become familiar with these instructions and the associated documents, as well as any other instructions issued by OCR, or your supervisor. These instructions form part of your agreement with OCR. Please refer to clause 2 of your agreement and the task descriptor. b) Please remember the importance of the marking task. The public expects that the task will be carried out with a high level of responsibility and concentration. You must only carry out marking in private, and not in any public place. Marking must only be done by the appointed person. You should not mark whilst you are in your paid employment, unless your employer permits this. c) Confidentiality and disclosure Please refer to your agreement clauses You should not communicate with third parties (particularly the media) about your work without the permission of the Chief Executive of OCR. Do not give any details of your work to any unauthorised people. You should only mark in conditions that are secure and confidential. d) On the rare occasions when you may have to take any OCR materials outside the UK, it is your responsibility to ensure that all such materials are kept secure in transit. OCR materials include but are not limited to hard copy material, discs, memory sticks, and laptops containing OCR related information. The taking of such materials outside the UK and their return to the UK must always be undertaken by you personally. You must not ask someone else to do this on your behalf. You must not return materials to OCR whilst you are outside the UK. Once in the UK when you need to return materials to OCR, please utilise the specified returns service. e) You should be aware that if checking of your assessment activities reveals variation in acceptable tolerances OCR may instruct you to stop assessing and may terminate your agreement in accordance with clause 4.2 of your agreement for the provision of assessment services. In these circumstances in accordance with clause 5.7 of your agreement for the provision of assessment services, you must return all confidential assessment material to OCR as a matter of urgency. You will be paid for assessment completed. f) You must tell OCR and your marking supervisor as soon as possible of any change of personal circumstances, eg: i. any change of address (which must be confirmed in writing), ii. illness or other circumstances which may prevent you from meeting deadlines for work. Use the Assessor Support Line on or general.qualifications@ocr.org.uk for assessor enquiries. Please update your personal details, including your permanent home address and address, in the Assessment Specialist Portal: g) If you wish to use a different address for the delivery of scripts during the examination/marking period, you should have updated your details in the Assessment Specialist Portal: no later than 12 October for a November series, 9 November for a January series and 30 March for a June series. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 5

6 h) Please note that this preferred address will be used for script delivery only. All other assessment material will be sent to your usual address. If you require assistance with logging into the Assessment Specialist Portal please call or If you do not tell OCR in time about any changes to your address, you will be responsible for collecting material from the previous address. i) You must tell the Finance Office if you change your bank details (this should be done 3-4 weeks before submitting any claim forms to ensure details are updated in time), or if you have any questions about payments and expenses j) We will not send you scripts/examined coursework from centres which you have worked/consulted at within the last five years as any Conflicts of Interest must be declared. If this does happen, contact straight away. k) If, during the marking period, we need to reallocate scripts amongst the assessment team, you may be asked to express a willingness to mark additional scripts. Please note that all such offers are provisional and are dependent on sufficient scripts being available. l) You must never contact the centres yourself, either in writing or on the telephone. m) You must not return the MS2s in the same packet as scripts/examined coursework. n) Safeguarding Before you undertake any assessment activities, you must read Safeguarding - The protection of children and vulnerable adults. This can be found on click on Assessor Resources then: Library>Legal/Policy/Malpractice/Safeguarding - The protection of children and vulnerable adults. Please also refer to clause of your agreement. o) Health and Safety Please ensure that you are familiar with the most up-to-date health and safety advice and guidance which can be found at: p) Declaration of Barred Status Under the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) if a barred person undertakes an unregulated activity, such as assessing, that activity becomes regulated. Therefore, each time you are invited to undertake assessment tasks you must declare if you are barred as a result of a CRB check, or seeking ISA registration. q) Decommissioning your computer If you are intending to decommission, dispose of, or recycle your laptop or PC, you must ensure that all OCR information, documents and data are permanently erased. Files which have been deleted can, in fact, be recovered by specialist software. To prevent this, free downloads of hard drive eraser software are available from the web which will securely overwrite the contents of your hard drive. For more information, advice, and software download recommendations, visit r) Complaints from centres If you receive a complaint from a centre, this must be forwarded to Complaints@OCR.org.uk for a response. You must not try to deal with it yourself or express your personal opinion. s) Assessor Communications webpage: click on Assessor Resources This dedicated webpage hosts assessor instructions, generic assessor forms, subject-specific assessor forms and useful documents and links. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 6

7 t) Requirement to provide a UK address Assessors are required to have a UK address for OCR correspondence. u) Missing attendance registers When you receive a package of scripts/audio files the attendance register should be included. If this is missing you must report this immediately by ing an EX1 form (Examiner s Report of Missing Individual Scripts) available from click on Assessor Resources then the Forms tab. If a candidate s name appears on thems2 marksheet, but there is no corresponding script/audio file in the package and is not marked on the attendance register as absent, you must also report this immediately and record this as M (Missing) on the MS2. Do not record it as A (Absent). v) Gifts from centres You must not accept gifts of any kind from a centre to which you are allocated to undertake an assessment task. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 7

8 2. Important dates Please make a note of the following dates as soon as you receive them: a) the date of the Standardisation meeting for Specialist Marking (shown on your invitation to mark): b) the date by which you must send your standardisation sample to your Supervisor (or details of the sample to your Supervisor if your unit utilises the OCR Repository): c) the earliest date for reporting entire missing script packets (or missing candidate work on the OCR Repository) to OCR: d) the Batch 1 date for the submission of MS2s to DC10 in Whittlesford and (in the case of units which do not utilise the OCR Repository) scripts to Supervisors: e) date for the submission of the final sample (or details of the sample, if your unit utilises the OCR Repository) to your Supervisor: f) The Batch 2 deadline for the submission of remaining MS2s and scripts to DC10 in Whittlesford. If you do not meet these deadlines, then results may be affected, as OCR works to very tight schedules. Full information about these dates will be in other documents issued with these instructions, or will be given to you at the Standardisation meeting. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 8

9 3. Receipt of Scripts/Examined Coursework Please refer to the following supplementary booklet: Instructions for the Movement of Scripts. 4. Missing Scripts/Examined Coursework Please refer to the following supplementary booklet: Instructions for the Movement of Scripts. 5. The Standardisation meeting Preparation Before the Standardisation meeting you must familiarise yourself with these instructions, the mark scheme/assessment criteria and the administrative documents. For scripts: Before the Standardisation meeting you must mark at least 10 scripts selected from several centres. For this preliminary marking you should use a pencil and follow the mark scheme. Bring these scripts to the meeting. For examined coursework: Before the Standardisation meeting you must provisionally mark a sample of at least six pieces of examined coursework selected from your own apportionment and/or photocopies of archive work sent to you. If you use your own apportionment you should select work from several centres. For this preliminary marking you should follow the mark scheme and use the Working Mark Sheets or Individual Report Forms included in your pack. Bring this marked work to the meeting. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 9

10 6. The Standardisation Meeting a) The Standardisation meeting will include the following: welcome and introductions training on the use of the OCR Repository for those Specialist Markers required to use it an administrative briefing, by the Principal Examiner, including reference awarding body procedures, time schedules, administrative documentation and contact points an explanation by the Principal Examiner of the nature and significance of the standardisation process a briefing by the Principal Examiner on points arising from previous examinations including statistical data and regulatory authorities monitoring reports a consideration of the mark scheme to reach decisions about the range of acceptable responses and the marks appropriate to them, comparable marking standards for any optional questions, application of the mark standards to the possible range of examined coursework, and the handling of unexpected, yet acceptable answers/work marking of a number of common, previously unmarked, photocopies of responses/work to help to consolidate understanding of the mark scheme/marking criteria. (For units utilising the OCR Repository, these may be files on the Repository.) b) You should keep detailed notes of modifications or additions to the mark scheme. If there are significant changes to the mark scheme then you will be given a copy of the revised mark scheme signed by the Principal Examiner at the Standardisation meeting or shortly afterwards. Marking must not be finalised until you have received this final signed version of the mark scheme c) During the Standardisation meeting you will be required to mark further sample scripts/examined coursework. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 10

11 7. Notes for Visiting Specialist Markers Arranging the visit When you receive details of your centres, you should contact each centre to arrange your visit. You must first approach the Head of Centre or the Examinations Officer. You should only arrange to visit a teacher if this has already been approved by the Head of Centre or the Examinations Officer. You should confirm your arrangements in writing using the appropriate letter/form (subject-specific) provided. We advise that you ask for a map giving directions to the centre. When you have arranged a visit, tell your Supervisor or Principal Examiner (as appropriate) immediately about the date and time of the visit. You should phone the Assessor Support Line on if you have any difficulty in arranging the visit. If you are visiting centres in Central London and using your own vehicle you will need to register for the congestion charge. You can claim this cost from OCR. The visit to the centre Make sure that you give yourself time to get to the centre, as late arrival may disrupt the whole day s timetable. As soon as you arrive you should report to the office and complete any security formalities. You must ensure that the arrangements for the examination of the candidates are suitable and meet the requirements of each set of subject instructions. Providing identification when visiting a centre Centres may require you to provide photographic identification when you arrive to undertake assessment tasks for OCR. You should ensure that you always have recognised identifying documentation, such as a photocard driving licence or a passport, with you when you visit a centre. 8. Using the OCR Repository The OCR Repository is an easy to use system which has been created to enable centres to submit samples of candidate work in electronic format. It also provides a facility for centre staff to upload work for several candidates at once. The OCR Repository is an option for an increasing number of qualifications. To check whether the OCR Repository is available for the qualifications with which you are involved, you should refer to the Entry Codes. This document can be found at: The OCR Repository is accessed through OCR Interchange. It will accept files in many different formats, and guidance is given to centres to provide work only in formats which can be read on a free downloadable reader. This ensures that Assessors do not need to purchase additional software to view work. If you do not already have an Interchange user name and password, you will receive these by before marking begins, if you don t receive them, contact the Assessor Support Line. Submitting work electronically ensures that candidate work can be available almost instantly, removing the time and cost involved with postal submissions. Uploading candidate work electronically to the Repository also eliminates the possibility of hard copy work going missing in the post, and ensures its security. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 11

12 9. Sampling of your Marking (Scripts only) Your Supervisor will sample your marking at three stages during the marking period. Within a few days of the Standardisation meeting you will be asked to send 10 marked scripts or 6 marked pieces of examined coursework to your Supervisor. Please note: for extended standardisation meetings these arrangements may differ. By the Batch 1 date you will be asked to send a larger sample of 20% of your marked total allocation to your Supervisor and 20% to OCR. Between the Batch 1 and Batch 2 dates you will be asked to provide the Final Sample, when most of the marking has been completed. Your Supervisor will specify the centres you should include in this sample. You need to send all remaining marked scripts/examined coursework not already sent to your Supervisor as part of a sample to OCR by the Batch 2 date. For Specialist Markers using the OCR Repository, the standard paper forms should be despatched as normal. The only difference to the process is that the candidate work does not need despatching, as your Supervisor will also be able to access it on the OCR Repository. Full information about these dates will be contained in other documents issued with these instructions or will be notified at the Standardisation meeting. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 12

13 10. Marking and Annotation of Scripts/Examined Coursework after the Standardisation Meeting a) You should mark scripts/examined coursework in red, including those initially marked in pencil in advance of the Standardisation meeting. b) You should mark all scripts/examined coursework in accordance with the version of the mark scheme agreed at the Standardisation meeting. Annotation of scripts/examined coursework Specialist Markers should use annotation to show clearly where a mark is earned or why it has not been awarded. This will help Specialist Markers, and those people who review the marking of scripts. Specific guidance will be issued at the Standardisation meeting, but briefly annotation can consist of: 1. ticks and crosses to show where marks have been earned or not earned 2. specific words and phrases that were agreed at standardisation and included in the final mark scheme to show why a mark has been earned or not earned (eg. to show there is an omission) 3. standard abbreviations, eg. for follow through, special case, etc. As scripts/examined coursework may be returned to centres you should use the minimum of comments and make sure that comments are related to the award of a mark or marks and can be matched to statements in the mark scheme. Do not include general comments on a candidate s work. Record any annotations in the body of the answer, or in the margin next to the point where the decision to award or not award the mark is made. c) Marking crossed out and duplicated answers OCR currently provides Specialist Markers with rules for marking crossed out answers (which may be partially or wholly correct) and duplicated answers. Duplicated answers refer to two (or more) alternative responses to the same question, or responses to more optional questions than required within the paper rubric. The rules are as follows: Crossed out answers 1. where a candidate crosses out an answer and provides an alternative response the crossed out response is not marked and gains no marks 2. where a candidate crosses out an answer to a whole question, but makes no second attempt and the inclusion of the answer would not cause a rubric infringement, the assessor should attempt to mark the crossed out response and award marks appropriately. Duplicated answers 1. normally all responses are marked and the highest mark given 2. where alternate answers are provided to a multiple choice question, no mark should be awarded (for example: following a request to tick one box, the candidate ticks two or more boxes) 3. where the candidate provides contradictory responses, no mark should be awarded (for example: the candidate writes a statement such as 'water freezes at 0 o C this means it is a liquid at -10 o C'). The candidate, here, does not seem to understand the context of the 'question' 4. where the candidate has adopted a 'scattergun' approach by providing multiple answers to a single response question, no mark should be awarded. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 13

14 d) Recording of Marks For Scripts i. Give a clear indication of how marks have been awarded, as instructed in the mark scheme. ii. Record numerical marks for responses to part questions unringed in the right- hand margin. Show the total for each question (or in specified cases for each page) as a single ringed mark in the right-hand margin at the end of each question. iii. Transfer ringed totals to the front page of the script, where they should be totalled. iv. Show evidence that you have seen the work on every page of a script on which the candidate has made a response. v. Cross through every blank page to show that you have seen it. The MS2s i. Transfer the total mark for each script to the MS2. If your Supervisor changes one of your marks among the standardisation sample scripts that are returned to you, you must transfer the Supervisor s mark, not your own original mark. ii. All MS2s must be completed using an HB pencil. iii. If any marks are changed, do not overwrite the mark, but write the new mark and amend the lozenge to reflect the new mark. For examined coursework i. All MS2s must be completed with a HB pencil. ii. If marks are awarded separately for each assessment objective, or for different marking criteria, then the marks should first be totalled on the Working Mark Sheet (WMS). iii. Transfer the total mark for each piece of examined coursework onto the MS2. iv. Complete the correct lozenges and include them on the label on the front of the work. v. If your Supervisor changes one of your marks among the sample scripts that are returned to you, you must transfer the Supervisor s mark, not your own original mark. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 14

15 11. Supervision of Marking a) Stage 1: The Standardisation Sample i) For scripts: Within three days of the Standardisation meeting you must send a Standardisation Sample to your Supervisor. This must be a sample of at least 10 marked scripts (refer to the Instructions for the Movement of Scripts booklet). These scripts should cover the range of attainment within the allocated scripts and cover as many of the questions as possible on question papers that allow choice or as many different types of response as possible. In most cases, this sample will include photocopied scripts which are common to all Specialist Markers for a paper. For OCR Repository: The process is the same as for paper-based scripts, except that the candidate work will be accessed through the OCR Repository. For examined coursework: As soon as possible after the Standardisation meeting, (usually within 3-5 days), you must send a Standardisation Sample to your Supervisor. This must be a sample of 6 10 pieces of marked examined coursework (refer to the Instructions for the Movement of Scripts booklet). This sample should include some photocopied archive examined coursework and some work taken from your own allocation. The work should cover the range of attainment, as well as covering different topics and/or approaches, as appropriate. For both scripts and examined coursework: Record centre and candidate details along with your marks on to a STAND/1 (Examiner s Feedback Form for standardisation sample) click on Assessor Resources then Forms > Examining forms 1. the STAND/1 form to your Supervisor, retaining a copy for your records. 2. Despatch your sample including a. confirmation that the corresponding STAND/1 form has been ed b. a small sack or examined coursework envelope with a self-addressed label so that your Supervisor can promptly return your sample. ii) Your Supervisor will contact you when they have checked your marking on your sample. The Supervisor will explain any changes to your marking that are required. You will not normally receive further feedback during the examination series based on subsequent sampling of your work. For scripts: The explanation will be recorded on the STAND/1. For examined coursework: Amendments marked in green on the Working Mark Sheet/Individual Report Forms. iii) iv) Your Supervisor will return the sample scripts/examined coursework with any amendments to marks in green. These green marks are the ones that should be recorded on the MS2. Please ensure that the sample scripts/examined coursework are returned to their original positions in the script/examined coursework envelopes. You must review all scripts/examined coursework marked before the Supervisor s feedback in accordance with the Supervisor s instructions. v) If your Supervisor has concerns about your sample scripts, you will be asked to submit another sample with a new STAND/1. If this sample of marking also proves unsatisfactory, you will be asked to stop marking and return all your scripts/examined coursework to the appropriate Script Processing Team. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 15

16 vi) On completion of the examination series, you will receive feedback on your assessment and administration during the series. If you have any queries about the feedback you receive you must contact the relevant Monitoring and Support Manager, not your Supervisor or Principal Examiner. b) Stage 2: Batch 1/First Sample i) By the Batch 1 date you should have completed the marking of approximately 40% of your scripts/examined coursework. You must check this work as required (see Section 12). ii) You should send approximately half the number of marked scripts/coursework in Batch 1 to your Supervisor. This will normally be about 20% of your allocation. Your Supervisor may give you guidance about how this work should be selected. In most cases, this first sample (20%) may be sent to your Supervisor before the Batch 1 date and before having completed the marking of the full 40%. When you pack these scripts/examined coursework for posting, you must leave them in the original packets you received from the centre. Never split the contents of script/examined coursework packets. Your Supervisor will return them straight to the appropriate Script Processing Team. iii) iv) Record the marks on to the relevant MS2 before posting. You will not receive these scripts/examined coursework back from your Supervisor. Send the MS2s for the whole of Batch 1 (40% of scripts/examined coursework), using the label provided, to DC10 at Whittesford. v) Scripts/examined coursework for the remainder of Batch 1 (ie the other 20%) must be sent without delay to the appropriate Script Processing Team, using the DHL courier service. vi) vii) A single Marked label must be affixed to each individual packet of marked scripts/examined coursework. No further feedback on your marking by your Supervisor will be given. c) Stage 3: Final Sample (scripts only) i) After submitting your Batch 1 scripts, your Supervisor will contact you and tell you which candidates scripts you need to submit for the final sample. When you have submitted these scripts, your Supervisor will send these straight to the appropriate Script Processing Team. ii) The quality of your marking on the final sample will be assessed, and this will help OCR to decide whether to offer you a further agreement as a Specialist Marker. If at any stage during the marking period you require further guidance about the application of the mark scheme you should contact your Supervisor. d) Stage 4: Batch 2 i) By the Batch 2 date you should have completed the marking of all your scripts. ii). iii) iv) You should return all remaining scripts/examined coursework in the original packets without delay to the appropriate Script Processing Team using the DHL courier service. Send the MS2s for all scripts/examined coursework, using the label provided, to DC10 at Whittlesford. A single Marked label must be affixed to each individual packet of marked scripts/examined coursework. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 16

17 12. Completion and Despatch of MS2 Mark Sheets Also see Appendix 4. NOTES: Use an HB pencil to complete MS2s. Never return MS2s within the same packet as scripts/examined coursework. a) You must total the marks on each script/working mark sheet and transfer the totals to the MS2s. b) Record marks accurately and clearly on the MS2 mark column and complete the lozenges in the mark grid. (The mark grid is where automatically scanned marks are read, not the mark column.) c) If a candidate is recorded as absent or withdrawn on the Attendance Register and the script is not in the packet, enter A in the mark column and mark grid of the MS2. These are the only circumstances when A should be recorded. d) If a script or piece of examined coursework is missing for a candidate who appears on the MS2 and has not been clearly marked absent on the Attendance Register, you should enter M in the mark column and the mark grid of the MS2. You must report this immediately by ing an EX1 form (Examiner s Report of Missing Individual Scripts) available from the Assessor Portal (see Instructions for Movement of Scripts booklet). Against the name of each candidate on the MS2 you must enter a whole mark of zero or more, or an A or an M in the mark column and the mark grid. No other symbols may be entered in the mark column. e) MS2s must not be stapled, hole-punched, folded or paper clipped. Never put MS2s in script/usb/cd/dvd packets. Return all completed MS2s to the OMR unit in Whittlesford using the correct label (EM000023), on or before the last posting date given for each batch in your EPS Apportionment Listing and the Assessor Communications webpage. For scripts: f) When you have completed all MS2s return them to the OMR unit using the correct label in a C4 envelope. Do this on or before the last posting date given for each batch in your EPS Apportionment Listing and on the Assessor Communications webpage. g) If an examination has two or more tiered papers you may receive scripts that do not correspond to the original entry and to the MS2 listing. If this happens and you are not the apportioned Specialist Marker for each tier call the Assessor Support Line on for further instructions. If you are the apportioned specialist marker across tiers then you must: mark the script according to the mark scheme for the component sat by the candidate add the candidate name, number and mark to the MS2 corresponding to the paper sat. If there is not a space on the MS2 for this, then use the Additional/Transferred Candidate mark sheet (found on OCR Interchange) to record the candidate mark and the paper sat. Record the candidate as A on the MS2 if they did not sit that tier write on the outside of the script packet where scripts have been removed, and write on the other packet where scripts have been added. Note: Where candidates have had a change of tier of entry before the examination, this is usually shown on the attendance list. Please note that where the OCR Repository is used, the despatch of MS2 mark sheets should be carried out exactly as described above. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 17

18 13. Report on the Marking of Scripts/Examined Coursework You should send a report to your Supervisor as soon as you have finished your marking, or at the latest, by the date given at the Standardisation meeting. You will be given guidance on what information to include at the Standardisation meeting. Ideally, your report should be word processed and ed to your Supervisor. Your report will inform the Principal Examiner s Report and will help to ensure it is representative. 14. Return of Scripts/Examined Coursework At the end of the marking period it is vital that you return marked scripts to OCR immediately using the DHL courier service. Please refer to the Instructions for the Movement of Scripts and the Assessor Courier Guide. 15. Late Apportioned Scripts/Examined Coursework It is possible for you to receive additional scripts/examined coursework without the corresponding MS2. This may be: because a centre has made a late entry because another specialist marker has withdrawn. In either case you will be notified by the Assessor Management Deployment Team. A new MS2 mark sheet will be sent to you. For units using the OCR Repository You may receive additional work through the post unrelated to your apportionment list for the OCR Repository. You may also receive candidate work through the post which should have been submitted using the OCR Repository. In these cases you should phone the Assessor Support Line on and give full details of the centre number, the centre and the unit number involved. For examined coursework: If you agree to take on additional scripts/examined coursework previously apportioned to someone else it may take some time for this work to reach you, as it may have to be redirected. If the deadline for Batch 2 is approaching, contact the Assessor Management Deployment Team as advised at the Standardisation meeting. 16. Escalation of Issues of Concern If while undertaking your assessment task you come across something that causes you concern you must report this immediately to your Team Leader/Supervisor. 17. Expenses Information Download Assessment Specialist Expenses Information OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 18

19 Appendix 1 - Dealing with Problems Receipt of Documents Problem 1. Materials are missing from one or more of the despatches. Action See instructions in the Stationery pack letter. Receipt of Scripts/Examined Coursework Please refer to Supplementary Booklet Instructions for the Movement of Scripts. Marking of Scripts/Examined Coursework Problem 2. You think you may not be able to complete your marking on schedule. Action Contact your Supervisor and OCR at once. If it is agreed that you will not be able to complete the marking, return any unmarked work to the appropriate Script Processing Team, using the Unmarked Scripts Label (orange label) to return them. You must return all marked scripts/examined coursework and MS2s as soon as possible, in the usual way. 3. You come across an answer or unusual approach that you think is valid but not accommodated by the mark scheme. Give the answer credit in accordance with the principles agreed at the Standardisation meeting. If in doubt, consult your Supervisor. 4. You are suspicious of malpractice, or you come across work that you consider to be offensive. 5. You cannot decipher the writing on a script or piece of examined coursework. See Appendix 2. Refer the matter to your Supervisor. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 19

20 Other Script Problems Problem 6. Candidates take wrong tier of paper. 7. Candidate does not conform to the rubric (eg. by answering more questions than required). Action Instructions to be given at the Standardisation meeting. Allow the candidate the highest marks for those answers that satisfy the rubric, eg. if a candidate answers five questions instead of four, all five answers must be marked and the lowest mark cancelled. If the lowest mark is given for a compulsory question, the next lowest mark must be cancelled. All such answers should be crossed through once and the words RUBRIC ERROR should be written on the script. 8. Candidate crosses out an answer to a whole question but makes no second attempt at it. 9. Candidate has a faulty question paper. Where a candidate crosses out an answer to a whole question, but makes no second attempt, and the inclusion of the answer would not cause a rubric infringement, you should attempt to mark the crossed out response and award marks appropriately. See instructions in Section 10c. Mark the completed work and enter the mark on the MS2. Send the candidate s answers together with a covering note to the Special Requirements Team at OCR. Mark Sheets Problem 10. There is a discrepancy between the name and number of a candidate printed on the MS2 and those written on the script. Action Enter the mark of the candidate against the correct name on the MS2. If necessary, alter the index number on the script to correspond with the MS The name on the script does not match any name on the MS You have some other problem completing the mark sheet. Allocate the mark to the candidate number given and enter the details as a supplementary candidate according to the instructions on the MS2. Contact your Supervisor. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 20

21 Appendix 2 - Suspected Malpractice Introduction All reports of suspected malpractice you submit are investigated by OCR s Malpractice Team. This will often involve contacting the centres concerned to request further information and statements from those involved, and once the summer holidays start that becomes much more difficult. Malpractice cases received before 11 July have a 90% chance of being resolved by results day. This is reduced to 35% for malpractice cases received after the start of the school holidays. It is therefore important that all suspected malpractice is reported at the earliest opportunity to the Malpractice Team as delays in reporting suspected malpractice are likely to lead to delays in candidates receiving their results. What is Malpractice? OCR defines malpractice as any action taken by candidates, teachers or a centre which may threaten the integrity of our assessments. While deliberate cheating is malpractice, the team malpractice is used to cover a wider range of actions, including those that are accidental. The guiding principle is whether the incident has the potential to undermine the integrity of the assessment. Common types of suspected malpractice you may encounter include: Copying Collusion Plagiarism Improper assistance by teachers or others Inappropriate or offensive responses Further information about the different types of suspected malpractice and how to report them can be found in the Instructions for Suspected Malpractice General Qualifications and Cambridge Nationals. (located on click on Assessor Resources then on Library >Legal/Policy/Malpractice) In all cases you should mark or moderate the work as normal and you must not attempt to account for any suspected malpractice in your marking. Reporting suspected malpractice Please note that in all cases you must not contact the centre if issues of suspected malpractice arise. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 21

22 Appendix 3 - Marking the Scripts of Candidates who have Access Arrangements Access Arrangements are permitted to candidates who have disabilities or learning difficulties. Centres can make their applications for most arrangements online using the JCQ Access Arrangements Online system. The online system produces cover sheets but there will no longer be an Awarding Body permission letter, unless an application was referred to an Awarding Body for personal attention. The cover sheet represents the permission agreed. The following points should be remembered: candidates who have access arrangements include candidates of all levels of ability each Principal Examiner will standardise the marking of written communication according to the criteria given in the specification and/or the paper the principles contained in these instructions relate to all subjects and can therefore only be general in outline. you will only know that a candidate has access arrangements if a cover sheet is attached to their work, but not all access arrangements require cover sheet see below for cover sheets that may be attached to a candidate s work The following Access Arrangement Cover Sheets may be included with work you are moderating: Scribe Cover Sheet (when a scribe has written or typed some or all of a candidate s work) Practical Assistant Cover Sheet (when practical assistance is required by a candidate to undertake work, the candidate should only be given credit for skills they have performed independently) Word Processor Cover Sheet (not normally required for moderated work, as word processing is widely used and encouraged as the standard way for all candidates to present NEA, coursework and controlled assessments) Braille Transcript Cover Sheet (this would be attached when a candidate has generated their work using a brailling machine and it has then been transcribed to text) Sign Language Interpreter (this form is not normally required for moderated work, more commonly required for examinations) Oral Language Modifier (this would indicate that a candidate has significant language processing difficulties and they meet the criteria for someone to simplify the carrier language presented to them in tasks; this arrangement would not normally be expected to be used in moderated work) Please do not detach the Cover Sheet from the work as the marking cannot be checked without this information. Candidates using a Scribe 1 Candidates who dictate answers are still using language to convey their ideas. They may be able to structure their arguments, use appropriate vocabulary for their ideas, use technical vocabulary correctly and use an appropriate writing style for the context. They will use their own grammar and vocabulary. They may dictate punctuation, but this is not always possible for candidates with a severe disability. If the candidate can dictate punctuation this will be noted on the Scribe Cover Sheet attached to the work. However, in these circumstances the candidate is not able to provide the spelling, as this is not practical. The exception is in Modern Languages Writing Papers, where the candidate is not allowed to use a scribe unless the candidate is able to dictate the spelling letter by letter. 2 Candidates who do not have access arrangements are assessed according to the instructions given at the Standardisation meeting. They will include candidates who cannot spell accurately. Each examining team will decide to what extent the accuracy of spelling in itself should be given a particular emphasis. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 22

23 3 Candidates who have used a scribe are in the same position as those who cannot spell and should be treated accordingly. They should be credited with the marks that they can be given for the other skills being assessed. Where there are separate marks available for spelling, punctuation and grammar their work should be marked taking into account the level of independence as noted on the scribe cover sheet. 4 Centres will attach a Cover Sheet onto any script where a scribe was used. The centre should show on the cover sheet whether the candidate or the scribe completed any graphs and diagrams. Please do not detach the Cover Sheet from the work as the marking cannot be checked without this information. 5 Although a candidate who needs a scribe may have all of their answers scribed for them, there could be scripts where a scribe has been used there may be sections or questions where the candidate has written and others where the scribe has written. In other scripts there may be a combination of the candidate s handwriting, the scribes handwriting and word processed responses. These are all permitted as different candidates needs and normal way of working will vary. Examples A candidate uses a scribe in GCSE Science. In one question an extra mark is allocated for spelling, punctuation and grammar. The Principal Examiner explains to the examining team that the mark can only be awarded if no more than one error is made in spelling, punctuation or grammar per sentence. The candidate using the scribe is using correct grammar and has dictated the punctuation but the spelling was that of the scribe and not his own. The candidate cannot be given the mark, as this would be unfair to any candidate who had made several spelling errors. Another candidate taking the same subject and also using a scribe dictates the spelling in each of the answers where written communication is being assessed. This has been noted on the Cover Sheet. This candidate can be credited with the mark because made only one error has been made. (Some candidates are not able to dictate spelling because they have so much difficulty dictating whole words and are very slow completing a sentence. They cannot receive the mark.) A candidate uses a scribe in GCE History. The marking criteria are arranged in bands and a best fit approach is taken. The candidate is able to fulfil most of the criteria described in a particular band of marks and uses vocabulary well to express her arguments. However, the candidate is not producing their own spelling. The highest band in the mark scheme requires the writing to show accuracy (but not perfection) in grammar, punctuation and spelling. The candidate is using grammar correctly but has not dictated any punctuation and has not produced the spelling. A decision has to be made as to whether the candidate should be placed lower in the band. This would be the same decision that would be made about any other candidate whose spelling was very weak but who had given a very good answer. Candidates using a Word Processor 1 These candidates are providing their own written communication and their scripts should be marked in exactly the same way as those of any other candidates. They are not allowed to use a spell checker. 2 Normally, they will print off a script. If the answer booklet requires some answers, such as graphs and diagrams to be completed in the booklet itself, candidates will answer these in the booklet and then label their other answers on the print out. They should attach the printout to the answer booklet. 3 The centre will attach a Word Processor Cover Sheet. Please do not detach the Cover Sheet from the work as the marking cannot be checked without this information. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 23

24 4 If you receive a Word Processed script with no cover sheet, please mark it on the basis that it has been word processed with the spelling and grammar check switched off. Candidates using a Practical Assistant In most cases, these candidates will be submitting internally assessed examined coursework. There will be a small number of candidates taking externally marked practical examinations who have used a practical assistant. 1 The script should be covered by a Practical Assistant Cover Sheet. The centre is asked to note down the tasks performed by the Practical Assistant. If the candidate also had a scribe, there is a question on the form relating to who did the graphs and diagrams. Credit should be given for those tasks completed independently by the candidate. This may need to be discussed with your Supervisor or Principal Examiner. For instance, a candidate might not be able to perform a titration. If marks are available in the mark scheme for this particular skill, no marks can be credited. If the assistant has merely held the equipment still and the candidate has controlled the titration independently, marks can be credited. 2 A Practical Assistant will not be permitted in those assessments where the practical skill is the focus of the assessment, such as Art, Design and Technology or Music, unless minimal help is required, such as holding equipment still or handing paints to the candidate. 3 Where there is particular cause for concern, the Specialist Marker should refer the script to the Supervisor. Please do not detach the Cover Sheet from the work as the marking cannot be checked without this information. Candidates for whom a Transcript is provided There should no longer be many candidates using transcripts, as this arrangement was removed from the JCQ Access Arrangement document from September However, there will be some candidates who had this arrangement in place before then or candidates who output their answers in Braille and require their responses to be Transcribed in order to be assessed. These candidates ought to be assessed as far as possible on the original script. The transcript is provided to ease your reading and is written after the examination by a person who is familiar with the candidate s writing. 1 Transcripts may be a full transcript on another answer booklet or a partial copy written on a photocopy of the script. Some centres may enlarge the script to A3 to enable them to write over the words in a different colour pen. They are requested not to use red, green or purple ink, or pencil. 2 Transcripts should be word for word, an exact copy of the candidate s script. Where a candidate has spelt a non-technical word incorrectly, the transcriber may write it correctly in the transcript but must not insert or omit any words nor alter their order. Technical words must not be corrected. 3 If the spelling is affected, mark in the same way as a candidate who cannot spell accurately. Where separate marks are available for spelling, these cannot be credited if the transcriber has had to correct a considerable number of errors. Please remember that the transcript may have been provided for a candidate who has no problems other than a sprained wrist and who cannot write very clearly but in every other respect is able to gain full credit in the normal way. 4 If the transcript is of a Braille script, the candidate has used written communication in the Braille and the transcript should be marked in the usual way. Please do not detach the Cover Sheet from the work as the marking cannot be checked without this information.. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 24

25 Candidate using Sign Language The use of BSL and other sign languages will not be permitted in any Modern Foreign Language or any English Language papers (BSL is deemed to be a specific language in its own right). In English Literature, its use will be restricted to the signing of instructions and questions but texts/stimulus material or literary extracts must not be signed. 1 Centres are asked to place a Cover Sheet on the script of any candidate for whom signing has been used to give access to the questions. Please do not detach the Cover Sheet from the work as the marking cannot be checked without this information. 2 Centres are asked to note down words or phrases which have been re-interpreted. If the translation has given the candidate an unfair advantage, affecting the marking of an answer or part-answer, marks cannot be credited in full. 3 Signing of answers may be allowed where it is possible to finger-spell the words or where the answers involve single words. Centres are asked to note how the signing was carried out on the Cover Sheet. Candidates using an Oral Language Modifier This is a rare and exceptional access arrangement that eligible candidates with a severe comprehension disorder can have the assistance of an oral language modifier (OLM), who may rephrase the question. The OLM is only allowed to rephrase carrier language and is not permitted to rephrase subject-specific or technical terms. If this arrangement continues you may receive scripts with a cover sheet indicating how the oral language modifier has re-worded the question. If you feel that a distinct advantage has been given, as the modification has revealed the answer, please refer the script to your Supervisor. It may also be possible that the OLM has disadvantaged the candidate by losing from the question an element which is essential to the answer. Please refer such cases to the Supervisor. Otherwise, mark in accordance with your mark scheme. Candidates using Modified Papers 1 Modified papers should produce the same answers as any other paper and should be testing the same skills. An enlarged diagram will need to be measured if the candidate has to answer a question relating to the dimensions of the diagram itself and this answer taken into account. 2 Braille papers will be transcribed by the centre and the script will be accompanied by a Transcript Cover Sheet. These candidates can receive marks for written communication because they have provided their own written answers and it has been transferred from the Braille code into English. If a candidate has responded to the question paper using Braille and not transcript has been supplied, this should be referred to your Supervisor. 3 On rare occasions a question has to be modified on account of it being inaccessible to a blind candidate, such cases are taken into account in standardisation and an alternative answer scheme should be made available if required. The same can be true of modified enlarged (larger font) papers, but this would be in very rare occasions. Any changes would be communicated via standardisation. 4 A larger range of answers may be accepted for candidates using modified enlarged or braille papers, but as above this would be made clear at standardisation. If you have any queries regarding access arrangements, guidance can be sought from the Special Requirements Team (srteam@ocr.org.uk). If you suspect access arrangement have been used inappropriately, please refer to the reporting Malpractice guidance. OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 25

26 Appendix 4 -Instructions for Completion of MS2 Mark Sheets OCR 2018 Instructions for Specialist Marking 26